Endothelial Cell News Volume 5.20 | Jun 8 2020

TOP STORY

CD31 (PECAM-1) Serves as the Endothelial Cell-Specific Receptor of Clostridium perfringens β-Toxin

Researchers identified platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 as the specific membrane receptor for Clostridium perfringens β-toxin (CPB) on endothelial cells. CD31 expression corresponded with the cell-type specificity of CPB, and it was essential for toxicity in cultured cells and mice. [Cell Host Microbe] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

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Pericyte FAK Negatively Regulates Gas6/Axl Signaling to Suppress Tumor Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth

Investigators showed that pericyte focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulated tumor growth and angiogenesis in multiple mouse models of melanoma, lung carcinoma and pancreatic B-cell insulinoma and provide evidence that loss of pericyte FAK enhanced Gas6-stimulated phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine kinase, Axl with an upregulation of Cyr61, driving enhanced tumor growth. [Nat Commun] Full Article

A Hypomorphic Cystathionine ß-Synthase Gene Contributed to Cavefish Eye Loss by Disrupting Optic Vasculature

Scientists identified cystathionine ß-synthase a, which encoded the key enzyme of the transsulfuration pathway, as one of the mutated genes responsible for eye degeneration in multiple cavefish populations. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Intracellular Ca²⁺ Signaling: A Novel Approach for an Old Disease

The authors illustrated the evidence that supports the role played by endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They discussed the hypothesis that the Ca²⁺ handling machinery was compromised in SLE-derived ECFCs and myeloid angiogenic cells, thereby resulting in their reduced pro-angiogenic activity. [J Autoimmun] Abstract

Synthetic mRNA Encoding VEGF-A in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Design of a Phase IIa Clinical Trial

EPICCURE is an ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety of AZD8601 in patients with moderately decreased left ventricular function undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. AZD8601 3 mg, 30 mg or placebo was administered as 30 epicardial injections in a ten-minute extension of cardioplegia. [Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev] Abstract | Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Uptake, Efflux, and Toxicity of Inorganic and Methyl Mercury in the Endothelial Cells (EA.hy926)

Researchers investigated the toxicity, type of cell death, dose-dependent uptake, and efflux of inorganic mercury II (HgII) and methylmercury or MeHg in EA.hy926 endothelial cells, as these two forms of Hg are often reported to be present in human blood among the general populations. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The Neovascularization Effect of Dedifferentiated Fat Cells

Mice ischemic hindlimb model was used. It was confirmed that in comparison with the adipose derived stem cells and fibroblasts, the transplantation of adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat cells led to a significant improvement in the blood flow and increased mature blood vessel density. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Testisin/Prss21 Deficiency Causes Increased Vascular Permeability and a Hemorrhagic Phenotype during Luteal Angiogenesis

Using a murine model of rapid physiological angiogenesis during corpus luteal development in the ovary, the authors found that mice genetically deficient in testisin showed a substantially increased incidence of hemorrhages which were significantly more severe than in littermate control Prss21^+/+ mice. [PLoS One] Abstract

Long Non-Coding RNA LASSIE Regulates Shear Stress Sensing and Endothelial Barrier Function

Scientists showed that adherens junctions were stabilized by the shear stress-induced long non-coding RNA LASSIE. Silencing of LASSIE in endothelial cells impaired cell survival, cell-cell contacts and cell alignment in the direction of flow. [Commun Biol] Full Article

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The Proliferation and Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Neovascularization and Angiogenesis

Scientists investigate the link between adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and angiogenesis/neovascularization, with references to current studies. The molecular mechanisms of these processes, as well as ASC differentiation and proliferation are described in detail. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Endothelial TRPV1 as an Emerging Molecular Target to Promote Therapeutic Angiogenesis

The authors illustrate the physiological roles of TRP Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in vascular endothelium, focusing their attention on how endothelial TRPV1 promotes angiogenesis. They describe a recent strategy to stimulate TRPV1-mediated pro-angiogenic activity in endothelial colony forming cells, in the presence of a photosensitive conjugated polymer. [Cells] Abstract | Download Full Article

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Heart Disease & Stroke Research Receives $12.4 Million Federal Funding Boost

The Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP announced $29 million to address one of the leading causes of death in Australia – including $12.4 million in funding for University of Sydney-led research initiatives that will reduce the health burden for people affected by stroke and heart disease. [The University of Sydney] Press Release

As Pandemic Pounds US Universities, Federal Support Helps Their Labs Stay Afloat

This spring, as the coronavirus pandemic shuttered US higher education, many college presidents began to warn of the dire financial impact of a frozen US economy on their institutions. Their mix of revenue sources largely determined how much they might be hurt. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

As the Pandemic Hits Campus Finances, Faculty Face Layoffs

The pandemic has bored holes in budgets at universities and colleges across the US and beyond. To stem the spread of the coronavirus, higher education institutions shuttered their campuses, sent students home, and moved classes online. [The Scientist] Editorial

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